U.S. patent application number 13/218902 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-22 for fibre optic connector assembly and access tool kit.
This patent application is currently assigned to Advanced Fiber Products Limited. Invention is credited to Darren Adams.
Application Number | 20110311186 13/218902 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40565801 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110311186 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Adams; Darren |
December 22, 2011 |
Fibre Optic Connector Assembly and Access Tool Kit
Abstract
A fibre optic connector is provided comprising: a connector
plug, which may be inserted into an associated socket in a
longitudinal direction; a resilient leg, depending at a first end
thereof from the first connector plug, and having a depressible
part, distal therefrom, depressible towards the first connector
plug; and a guard cover, configured to prevent access to the
depressible part of the resilient leg in its direction of
depression, but to permit access to the resilient leg in the
longitudinal direction through an access aperture, the access
aperture being aligned with the depressible part of the resilient
leg on an axis parallel with the longitudinal direction, to allow
depression of the resilient leg through the access aperture
directly. A corresponding extraction tool and methods, loopback
connector, blanking plug, blanking plate and patch panel are also
provided.
Inventors: |
Adams; Darren; (Haverhill,
GB) |
Assignee: |
Advanced Fiber Products
Limited
Haverhill
GB
|
Family ID: |
40565801 |
Appl. No.: |
13/218902 |
Filed: |
August 26, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/GB2010/000356 |
Feb 26, 2010 |
|
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13218902 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
385/78 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 6/3849 20130101;
G02B 6/3893 20130101; G02B 6/387 20130101; G02B 6/3825 20130101;
G02B 6/3879 20130101; G02B 6/3898 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
385/78 |
International
Class: |
G02B 6/36 20060101
G02B006/36 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 26, 2009 |
GB |
0903326.7 |
Sep 8, 2009 |
GB |
0915728.0 |
Oct 1, 2009 |
GB |
0917235.4 |
Claims
1. A fibre optic connector comprising: a first connector plug,
which may be inserted into an associated socket in a first
longitudinal direction; a first resilient leg, depending at a first
end thereof from the first connector plug, and having a depressible
part, distal therefrom, depressible towards the first connector
plug, the first resilient leg having one or more lugs formed
thereupon for engagement with a flange of a fibre optic socket; and
a guard cover, configured to prevent access to the depressible part
of the first resilient leg in its direction of depression, but to
permit access to the first resilient leg in the first longitudinal
direction through an access aperture, the access aperture being
aligned with the depressible part of the first resilient leg on an
axis parallel with the first longitudinal direction, to allow
depression of the first resilient leg through the access aperture
directly.
2. The fibre optic connector of claim 1, further comprising: a
second connector plug, which may be inserted into an associated
socket in a first longitudinal direction; a second resilient leg,
depending at a first end thereof from the second connector plug,
and having a depressible part, distal therefrom, depressible
towards the second connector plug, the second resilient leg having
one or more lugs formed thereupon for engagement with a flange of a
fibre optic socket; and a guard cover, configured to prevent access
to the depressible parts of the first resilient leg and the second
resilient leg in their directions of depression, but to permit
access to the first resilient leg and the second resilient leg in
the first longitudinal direction through at least one access
aperture, the at least one access aperture being aligned with the
depressible part of the first resilient leg on an axis parallel
with the first longitudinal direction and being aligned with the
depressible part of the second resilient leg on an axis parallel
with the first longitudinal direction, to allow depression of the
first resilient leg and second resilient leg through the at least
one access aperture directly.
3. A fibre optic connector comprising: a first connector plug, a
first resilient leg, depending at a first end thereof from the
first connector plug, and having a depressible part, distal
therefrom, depressible towards the first connector plug, the first
resilient leg having one or more lugs formed thereupon for
engagement with a flange of a fibre optic socket; and a guard
cover, positioned over the first resilient leg to inhibit
depression thereof and formed integrally with the first connector
plug.
4. The fibre optic connector of claim 3, wherein the guard cover is
configured to prevent access to the depressible part of the first
resilient leg in its direction of depression, but to permit access
to the first resilient leg in the first longitudinal direction
through an access aperture, the access aperture being aligned with
the depressible part of the first resilient leg on an axis parallel
with the first longitudinal direction, to allow depression of the
first resilient leg through the access aperture directly.
5-45. (canceled)
46. A fibre optic loopback connector comprising: a first connector
plug, which may be inserted into an associated socket in a first
longitudinal direction; a first resilient leg, depending at a first
end thereof from the first connector plug, and having a depressible
part, distal therefrom, depressible towards the first connector
plug, the first resilient leg having one or more lugs formed
thereupon for engagement with a flange of a fibre optic socket; a
second connector plug, which may be inserted into an associated
socket in the first longitudinal direction; a second resilient leg,
depending at a first end thereof from the second connector plug,
and having a depressible part, distal therefrom, depressible
towards the second connector plug, the second resilient leg having
one or more lugs formed thereupon for engagement with a flange of a
fibre optic socket; a guard cover, configured to prevent access to
the depressible parts of the first resilient leg and the second
resilient leg in their directions of depression, but to permit
access to the first resilient leg and the second resilient leg in
the first longitudinal direction through at least one access
aperture, the at least one access aperture being aligned with the
depressible part of the first resilient leg on an axis parallel
with the first longitudinal direction and being aligned with the
depressible part of the second resilient leg on an axis parallel
with the first longitudinal direction, to allow depression of the
first resilient leg and second resilient leg through the at least
one access aperture directly; and an optical fibre having a first
end and a second end wherein the first end is exposed at an end of
the first connector plug and the second end is exposed at an end of
the second connector plug such that the optical fibre provides a
loop between the first plug and the second plug.
47. (canceled)
48. The fibre optic loopback connector of claim 46 wherein the
optical fibre attenuates a signal which passes therethrough.
49. (canceled)
50. The fibre optic loopback connector of claim 46 wherein the
guard cover comprises a bridge over the first and second resilient
legs, the bridge having supports surrounding the first and second
resilient legs and a span joining the supports and spaced from the
first and second resilient legs.
51-54. (canceled)
55. The fibre optic loopback connector of claim 46, further
comprising a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag.
56. The fibre optic loopback connector of claim 46 wherein the
optical fibre is 900 .mu.m optical fibre.
57. The fibre optic loopback connector of claim 46 wherein the
optical fibre is 250 .mu.m optical fibre.
58-75. (canceled)
Description
[0001] An optical fibre connector is used to terminate the end of
an optical fibre for connection into a socket. When the connector
is received into a socket, the optical fibre in the connector meets
with an optical fibre in the socket providing a direct interface
between the two optical fibres.
[0002] In many optical fibre connectors the means of connection to
the socket is a snap fit. A latch mechanism is commonly employed
such that when the latch is depressed the optical fibre connector
is released from the push-fit connection with the socket. Applying
pressure to the latch is quick and simple.
[0003] An example of a snap fit optical fibre connector is the
Lucent Connector, commonly known as the LC connector. FIG. 1a shows
a simplex LC connector while FIG. 1b shows a duplex LC
connector.
[0004] Such a snap fit connector arrangement allows for simple
reconfiguration of optical fibre paths, for example when wishing to
redirect an optical fibre from one location to another.
[0005] Against this background, the present invention provides a
fibre optic connector comprising: a first connector plug, which may
be inserted into an associated socket in a first longitudinal
direction; a first resilient leg, depending at a first end thereof
from the first connector plug, and having a depressible part,
distal therefrom, depressible towards the first connector plug, the
first resilient leg having one or more lugs formed thereupon for
engagement with a flange of a fibre optic socket; and a guard
cover, configured to prevent access to the depressible part of the
first resilient leg in its direction of depression, but to permit
access to the first resilient leg in the first longitudinal
direction through an access aperture, the access aperture being
aligned with the depressible part of the first resilient leg on an
axis parallel with the first longitudinal direction, to allow
depression of the first resilient leg through the access aperture
directly.
[0006] By aligning the access aperture with the depressible part of
the resilient leg, it becomes possible to use a tool to depress the
resilient directly. No intermediate pieces are therefore needed
release the guard cover or to depress the resilient leg. This
allows for easy manufacture of the connector and integral formation
of the guard cover with the connector plug. Optionally, the
resilient leg is also integrally formed with the connector plug.
Moreover, the arrangement advantageously allows direct depression
of the resilient leg using an associated tool, which provides
secure protection to prevent depression of the resilient leg that
is more robust to component failure, since a minimum number of
moving parts are needed.
[0007] Ancillary to the invention is a fibre optic connector
comprising: a first connector plug; a first resilient leg depending
from the first connector plug and having one or more lugs formed
thereupon for engagement with a flange of a fibre optic socket; and
a guard cover positioned over the first resilient leg to inhibit
depression thereof.
[0008] Preferably, the guard cover is positioned over the first
resilient leg to inhibit manual depression thereof.
[0009] The fibre optic connector of the present invention thus
inhibits manual removal of the connector from a push-fit socket
into which it has been received. Hence it increases security by
inhibiting removal by unauthorised parties. This, in turn, provides
increased data security.
[0010] Advantageously, the connector of the present invention is
compatible with standard pre-existing push-fit sockets.
[0011] In one embodiment, the fibre optic connector further
comprises: a second connector plug, which may be inserted into an
associated socket in a first longitudinal direction; a second
resilient leg, depending at a first end thereof from the second
connector plug, and having a depressible part, distal therefrom,
depressible towards the second connector plug, the second resilient
leg having one or more lugs formed thereupon for engagement with a
flange of a fibre optic socket; and a guard cover, configured to
prevent access to the depressible parts of the first resilient leg
and the second resilient leg in their directions of depression, but
to permit access to the first resilient leg and the second
resilient leg in the first longitudinal direction through at least
one access aperture, the at least one access aperture being aligned
with the depressible part of the first resilient leg on an axis
parallel with the first longitudinal direction and being aligned
with the depressible part of the second resilient leg on an axis
parallel with the first longitudinal direction, to allow depression
of the first resilient leg and second resilient leg through the at
least one access aperture directly.
[0012] In a second aspect, the present invention may be found in a
fibre optic connector comprising: a first connector plug, a first
resilient leg, depending at a first end thereof from the first
connector plug, and having a depressible part, distal therefrom,
depressible towards the first connector plug, the first resilient
leg having one or more lugs formed thereupon for engagement with a
flange of a fibre optic socket; and a guard cover, positioned over
the first resilient leg to inhibit depression thereof and formed
integrally with the first connector plug.
[0013] Optionally, the guard cover is configured to prevent access
to the depressible part of the first resilient leg in its direction
of depression, but to permit access to the first resilient leg in
the first longitudinal direction through an access aperture, the
access aperture being aligned with the depressible part of the
first resilient leg on an axis parallel with the first longitudinal
direction, to allow depression of the first resilient leg through
the access aperture directly.
[0014] In one embodiment the fibre optic connector, further
comprises: a second connector plug; a second resilient leg,
depending at a first end thereof from the second connector plug,
and having a depressible part distal therefrom, depressible towards
the second connector plug, the second resilient leg having one or
more lugs formed thereupon for engagement with a flange of the
fibre optic socket; and the guard cover is positioned over the
first resilient leg and the second resilient leg to inhibit
depression thereof and formed integrally with the first connector
plug and the second connector plug.
[0015] Optionally, the guard cover is configured to prevent access
to the depressible parts of the first resilient leg and the second
resilient leg in their directions of depression, but to permit
access to the first resilient leg and the second resilient leg in
the first longitudinal direction through at least one access
aperture, the at least one access aperture being aligned with the
depressible part of the first resilient leg on an axis parallel
with the first longitudinal direction and being aligned with the
depressible part of the second resilient leg on an axis parallel
with the first longitudinal direction, to allow depression of the
first resilient leg and second resilient leg through the at least
one access aperture directly.
[0016] A number of features may be applicable to both first and
second aspects of the present invention.
[0017] Preferably, the first connector plug is elongate and the
first resilient leg extends generally along the axis of
elongation.
[0018] Where the fibre optic connector has a second connector plug,
it may be elongate and the second resilient leg extends generally
along the axis of elongation.
[0019] More preferably, the first and second connector plugs extend
in a direction generally parallel with each other. Optionally, the
first and second connector plugs are parallel with the said axis of
elongation.
[0020] Beneficially, the guard cover extends in the first
longitudinal direction at least to the location of a front face of
the associated socket, when the first connector plug is fully
inserted into the associated socket, so as to prevent access to the
first resilient leg in its direction of depression. This is so as
to prevent access to the first resilient leg in its direction of
depression. In particular, this mitigates the possibility of
accessing the first resilient leg at a location close to the front
face of the associated socket. Where a second connector plug is
additionally used, the guard cover may also prevent access to the
second resilient leg in its direction of depression.
[0021] In some embodiments, the guard cover comprises a bridge over
the first resilient leg, the bridge having supports surrounding the
first resilient leg and a span joining the supports and spaced from
the first resilient leg. Optionally, a region bounded by the bridge
span, the bridge supports and the first connector plug defines an
aperture. Preferably, the bridge further comprises at least one
projection extending in the first longitudinal direction towards
the first end of the first resilient leg to prevent access to the
first resilient leg in its direction of depression. This prevents
access to the first resilient leg at a location close to the front
face of the associated socket.
[0022] In the preferred embodiment, one end of the projection is
pivoted to the bridge. Then, the bridge may optionally further
comprise a notch arranged such that a force in the longitudinal
direction against the projection causes it to be pushed into the
notch in the bridge. Advantageously, the projection is configured
such that at least a portion of the projection extends in the first
longitudinal direction towards the first end of the first and
second resilient legs to prevent access to the first and second
resilient legs in their direction of depression when the projection
is pushed into the notch. This may be achieved by shaping the end
of the projection that is not pivoted to the bridge accordingly.
For example, the non-pivoted end of the projection may comprise a
surface that is substantially horizontal when the projection is
pushed into the notch.
[0023] Advantageously, the guard cover comprises a bridge over the
first resilient leg, the bridge having supports surrounding the
first resilient leg and a span joining the supports and spaced from
the first resilient leg. Optionally, a region bounded by the bridge
span, the bridge supports and the first connector plug defines the
access aperture.
[0024] Beneficially, a region bounded by the bridge span, the
bridge supports, the first connector plug and the second connector
plug defines the access aperture. Optionally, the access aperture
is further bounded by a barrier adjacent to the bridge.
Advantageously, the barrier is shaped to act as a guide towards the
access aperture. Preferably, the barrier comprises at least one
ramp.
[0025] Preferably, the fibre optic connector further comprises a
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag.
[0026] The present invention also provides for a kit comprising the
connector as described herein and a tool, the tool comprising: a
tool body; a resilient arm depending from the tool body; and a
tongue formed upon or adjacent a distal end of the resilient arm
and adapted to pass through the guard cover of the connector to
engage directly and depress the one or more resilient legs of the
connector.
[0027] Preferably, in use, the tongue of the tool is adapted to
pass inside the guard cover and urge against the one or more
resilient legs of the connector. Optionally, the tongue of the tool
is formed as a key comprising one or more notches and/or one or
more protrusions.
[0028] A further aspect of the present invention provides for a kit
comprising: the fibre optic connector described herein; and a cap
for removal of the tool from the guard cover of the fibre optic
connector.
[0029] More preferably, one or more of the kits of the present
invention may further comprise a cap for removal of the tool from
the guard cover of the fibre optic connector.
[0030] In another aspect, the present invention resides in a tool
for releasing a fibre optic connector from an associated socket,
comprising: a tool body defining an inner volume for receiving a
portion of the fibre optic connector; a resilient arm depending
from the tool body; and a tongue formed upon or adjacent a distal
end of the resilient arm.
[0031] Preferably, the tongue comprises at least one of: one or
more notches; and one or more protrusions.
[0032] In a further aspect, there is provided a cap for a fibre
optic connector, the cap being generally elongate and comprising: a
cap body that defines an inner volume for receiving a front portion
of the fibre optic connector, having a plurality of electrical
contacts; and an arm projecting from the cap body along the
direction of elongation.
[0033] Advantageously, the arm is ramp-shaped at its distal end.
Preferably, the cap further comprises a flange for abutting a lug
on the fibre optic connector. Optionally, the cap, further
comprises a resilient clip depending from the cap body, and the
flange is formed on the resilient clip.
[0034] The present invention also provides a method of inhibiting
removal of a fibre optic connector from a fibre optic socket, the
method comprising the steps of: providing a fibre optic connector
having: a connector plug, which may be inserted into the fibre
optic socket in a longitudinal direction; and a resilient leg
depending, at a first end from the connector plug and having a
depressible part, distal therefrom, depressible towards the first
connector plug, the resilient leg having one or more lugs formed
thereupon for engagement with a flange of a fibre optic socket; and
providing a guard cover upon the fibre optic connector, configured
to prevent access to the depressible part of the first resilient
leg in its direction of depression, but to permit access to the
first resilient leg in the first longitudinal direction through an
access aperture, the access aperture being aligned with the
depressible part of the first resilient leg on an axis parallel
with the first longitudinal direction, to allow depression of the
first resilient leg through the access aperture directly.
[0035] The present invention further provides a method of actuating
a resilient leg of a fibre optic connector, the connector
comprising: a connector plug, which may be inserted into an
associated socket in a first longitudinal direction; a resilient
leg depending at a first end thereof from the connector plug, and
having a depressible part, distal therefrom, depressible towards
the first connector plug, the first resilient leg having one or
more lugs formed thereupon for engagement with a flange of a fibre
optic socket and arranged such that its depressible part may be
depressed towards the connector plug; and a guard cover, configured
to prevent access to the depressible part of the first resilient
leg in its direction of depression, but to permit access to the
first resilient leg in the first longitudinal direction for its
depression. The method comprises: passing a tool in the
longitudinal direction of the connector plug, beneath the guard
cover of the connector; and applying the tool directly to the
depressible part of the resilient leg.
[0036] Also, there is provided a kit comprising a fibre optic
connector and an associated tool configured to carry this the
method.
[0037] In another aspect the present invention provides a method of
extracting a fibre optic connector comprising a guard cover from a
fibre optic socket, using a tool having a resilient leg and a
tongue formed upon or adjacent a distal end of the resilient leg.
The method comprises: passing the tongue through the guard cover of
the connector; and directly engaging with and depressing the
resilient leg of the connector.
[0038] There is also provided a method of extracting a fibre optic
connector from a socket, the fibre optic connector having a
connector plug and a resilient leg depending from the connector
plug, a proximal end of the resilient leg being engaged with the
socket so as to prevent removal of the fibre optic connector from
the socket. The method comprises: inserting an extraction tool into
the fibre optic connector such that the extraction tool depresses
the resilient leg directly and thereby disengages the resilient leg
from the socket; and extracting the fibre optic connector from the
socket.
[0039] Preferably, the resilient leg has a depressible part distal
from its proximal end, the fibre optic connector further comprises
a guard cover, configured to prevent access to the depressible part
of the resilient leg in its direction of depression, but to permit
access to the resilient leg through an access aperture in a
longitudinal direction, in which the connector plug can be inserted
into a socket, the access aperture being aligned with the
depressible part of the resilient leg on an axis parallel with the
longitudinal direction, to allow depression of the resilient leg
through the access aperture directly, and the step of inserting the
extraction tool comprises accessing the resilient leg along that
longitudinal direction.
[0040] More preferably, the access aperture is defined by the
resilient leg and the guard cover.
[0041] In the preferred embodiment, the fibre optic connector
further comprises a barrier element located adjacent the
depressible part of the resilient leg, and the access aperture is
defined by the resilient leg, the guard cover and the barrier
element. Beneficially, the barrier is shaped to act as a guide
towards the access aperture. Optionally, the barrier comprises at
least one ramp.
[0042] Advantageously, the extraction tool comprises a tongue.
Then, the method may further comprises: aligning one or both of:
projections; and notches on the tongue with corresponding one or
both of: notches; and projections on the guard arrangement.
[0043] Optionally, the step of inserting the extraction tool into
the fibre optic connector comprises engaging the extraction tool
with the fibre optic connector, said engagement preventing removal
of the extraction tool from the fibre optic connector.
[0044] Beneficially, the method may further comprise: disengaging
the extraction tool from the fibre optic connector by inserting the
fibre optic connector into one of: a socket; and a cap; and
removing the extraction tool from the fibre optic connector.
[0045] The present invention may also be found in a fibre optic
loopback connector comprising: a first connector plug, which may be
inserted into an associated socket in a first longitudinal
direction; a first resilient leg, depending at a first end thereof
from the first connector plug, and having a depressible part,
distal therefrom, depressible towards the first connector plug, the
first resilient leg having one or more lugs formed thereupon for
engagement with a flange of a fibre optic socket; a second
connector plug, which may be inserted into an associated socket in
the first longitudinal direction; a second resilient leg, depending
at a first end thereof from the second connector plug, and having a
depressible part, distal therefrom, depressible towards the second
connector plug, the second resilient leg having one or more lugs
formed thereupon for engagement with a flange of a fibre optic
socket; a guard cover, configured to prevent access to the
depressible parts of the first resilient leg and the second
resilient leg in their directions of depression, but to permit
access to the first resilient leg and the second resilient leg in
the first longitudinal direction through at least one access
aperture, the at least one access aperture being aligned with the
depressible part of the first resilient leg on an axis parallel
with the first longitudinal direction and being aligned with the
depressible part of the second resilient leg on an axis parallel
with the first longitudinal direction, to allow depression of the
first resilient leg and second resilient leg through the at least
one access aperture directly; and an optical fibre having a first
end and a second end. The first end is exposed at an end of the
first connector plug and the second end is exposed at an end of the
second connector plug such that the optical fibre provides a loop
between the first plug and the second plug.
[0046] In further aspect, the present invention may reside in a
fibre optic loopback connector comprising: a first connector plug;
a first resilient leg, depending at a first end thereof from the
first connector plug, and having a second end, distal therefrom,
depressible towards the first connector plug, the first resilient
leg having one or more lugs formed thereupon for engagement with a
flange of a fibre optic socket; a second connector plug; a second
resilient leg, depending at a first end thereof from the second
connector plug, and having a depressible part, distal therefrom,
depressible towards the second connector plug, the second resilient
leg having one or more lugs formed thereupon for engagement with a
flange of a fibre optic socket; a guard cover, positioned over the
first resilient leg to inhibit depression thereof and formed
integrally with the first connector plug; and an optical fibre
having a first end and a second end. The first end is exposed at an
end of the first connector plug and the second end is exposed at an
end of the second connector plug such that the optical fibre
provides a loop between the first plug and the second plug.
[0047] In one embodiment, the optical fibre attenuates a signal
which passes therethrough. Optionally, the fibre optic loopback
connector further comprises an insignia associated with a
particular coefficient of attenuation provided by the optical
fibre.
[0048] Optionally, the guard cover comprises a bridge over the
first and second resilient legs, the bridge having supports
surrounding the first and second resilient legs and a span joining
the supports and spaced from the first and second resilient legs.
Preferably, a region bounded by the bridge span, the bridge
supports, the first connector plug and the second connector plug
defines the access aperture. Optionally, the access aperture is
further bounded by a barrier adjacent to the bridge.
Advantageously, the barrier is shaped to act as a guide towards the
access aperture; optionally, the barrier comprises at least one
ramp.
[0049] Preferably, the fibre optic loopback connector further
comprises a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag.
[0050] Advantageously, the optical fibre is 900 .mu.m optical
fibre. Optionally, the optical fibre is 250 .mu.m optical
fibre.
[0051] In a yet further aspect, the present invention may be found
in a blanking plug for a fibre optic socket, the plug comprising: a
first connector plug, which may be inserted into an associated
socket in a first longitudinal direction; a first resilient leg,
depending at a first end thereof from the first connector plug, and
having a depressible part, distal therefrom, depressible towards
the first connector plug, the first resilient leg having one or
more lugs formed thereupon for engagement with a flange of a fibre
optic socket; and a guard cover, configured to prevent access to
the depressible part of the first resilient leg in its direction of
depression, but to permit access to the first resilient leg in the
first longitudinal direction through an access aperture, the access
aperture being aligned with the depressible part of the first
resilient leg on an axis parallel with the first longitudinal
direction, to allow depression of the first resilient leg through
the access aperture directly.
[0052] The present invention may also be found in a blanking plug
for a fibre optic socket, the plug comprising: a first connector
plug; a first resilient leg, depending at a first end thereof from
the first connector plug, and having a depressible part, distal
therefrom, depressible towards the first connector plug, the first
resilient leg having one or more lugs formed thereupon for
engagement with a flange of a fibre optic socket; and a guard
cover, positioned over the first resilient leg to inhibit
depression thereof and formed integrally with the first connector
plug.
[0053] Preferably, the first connector plug comprises a stopper for
engagement with a fibre optic socket.
[0054] More preferably, the guard cover comprises a bridge over the
first resilient leg, the bridge having supports surrounding the
first resilient leg and a span joining the supports and spaced from
the first resilient leg. Optionally, a region bounded by the bridge
span, the bridge supports and the first connector plug defines the
access aperture. Preferably, the access aperture is further bounded
by a barrier adjacent to the bridge. Advantageously, the barrier is
shaped to act as a guide towards the access aperture. Optionally,
the barrier comprises at least one ramp. In the preferred
embodiment, the underside of the bridge span has formed therein one
or more notches and/or one or more protrusions.
[0055] In the preferred embodiment, the blanking plug further
comprises: a second connector plug; and a second resilient,
depending at a first end thereof from the second connector plug,
and having a depressible part, distal therefrom, depressible
towards the second connector plug, the second resilient leg having
one or more lugs formed thereupon for engagement with a flange of a
fibre optic socket. The guard cover is positioned over the first
and second resilient legs.
[0056] Optionally, the second connector plug comprises a stopper
for engagement with a fibre optic socket.
[0057] In some embodiments, the blanking plug further comprises a
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag.
[0058] In an alternative aspect, there may be provided a blanking
plate comprising: a plate; at least one blanking plug as described
herein, fitted on the plate such that the plate covers a plurality
of fibre optic sockets when the at least one blanking plug is
fitted into an associated socket.
[0059] Optionally, the blanking plate further comprises a blanking
plug mount for fixing the blanking plug to the plate, the blanking
plug mount being arranged to allow adjustment of the position of
the blanking plug on the plate. Beneficially, the blanking plug
mount may comprise runners mounted on a hole in the plate and a
sliding mechanism adapted to allow the blanking plug to slide
within the hole of the plate.
[0060] Also provided is a patch panel comprising a plurality of
fibre optic sockets, wherein at least one of the fibre optic
sockets is occupied either by a fibre optic loopback connector or
by a blanking plug.
[0061] In some embodiments, every one of the sockets is occupied
by: a fibre optic loopback connector; a blanking plug; or a fibre
optic connector.
[0062] Optionally, at least one of the sockets is occupied by a
blanking plug, wherein the blanking plug is as described herein.
Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the sockets is
occupied by a fibre optic loopback connector, wherein the fibre
optic loopback connector is as described herein. Additionally or
alternatively, at least one of the sockets is occupied by a fibre
optic connector, wherein the fibre optic connector is as described
herein.
[0063] Advantageously, therefore, the patch panel may be provided
to the customer fully populated so that the customer can be
confident that only those with a corresponding removal tool can
have removed the blanking plugs in order to accesses the sockets in
the patch panel.
SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION
[0064] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0065] FIG. 1a shows a perspective view of a prior art simplex LC
connector;
[0066] FIG. 1b shows a perspective view of a prior art duplex LC
connector;
[0067] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the
fibre optic connector of the present invention;
[0068] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a tool embodying the
present invention shown adjacent to the fibre optic connector of
FIG. 2;
[0069] FIG. 4 shows the fibre optic connector of FIG. 2 together
with an embodiment of a cap of the present invention;
[0070] FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the fibre optic connector of
FIG. 2;
[0071] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the fibre optic connector of
FIG. 2;
[0072] FIG. 7 shows an end view of the fibre optic connector of
FIG. 2;
[0073] FIG. 8 shows a plan view (from the opposite direction to
that of FIG. 5) of the fibre optic connector of FIG. 2;
[0074] FIG. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of the connector
of FIG. 2;
[0075] FIG. 10 shows an exploded perspective view of a fibre optic
loopback connector according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0076] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view blanking plug according to
an embodiment of the invention;
[0077] FIG. 12a shows a perspective view of a fibre optic connector
and associated socket with a first additional security feature
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0078] FIG. 12b shows a side view of the fibre optical connector
embodiment of FIG. 12a when engaged with a keystone;
[0079] FIG. 13a shows a top view of a fibre optic connector with a
second additional security feature according to an embodiment of
the invention;
[0080] FIG. 13b shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG.
13a;
[0081] FIG. 14a shows a top view of a fibre optic connector with a
third additional security feature according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0082] FIG. 14b shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG.
14a;
[0083] FIG. 15a shows a top view of a fibre optic connector with a
fourth additional security feature according to an embodiment of
the invention;
[0084] FIG. 15b shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG.
15a;
[0085] FIG. 16a shows a side view of a fibre optic connector with a
fifth additional security feature according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0086] FIG. 16b shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.
16a;
[0087] FIG. 16c shows a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 16a;
[0088] FIG. 17a shows a plan view of a second embodiment of a
blanking plug in accordance with the present invention;
[0089] FIG. 17b shows a rear end view of the blanking plug of FIG.
17a;
[0090] FIG. 17c shows a side view of the blanking plug of FIG.
17a.
[0091] FIG. 17d shows a front end view of the blanking plug of FIG.
17a;
[0092] FIG. 17e shows a perspective view of the blanking plug of
FIG. 17a;
[0093] FIG. 18 shows a blanking plate in accordance with the
present invention;
[0094] FIG. 19a shows a plan view of a second embodiment of a tool
for removing a fibre optic connector in accordance with the present
invention;
[0095] FIG. 19b shows a rear end view of the embodiment of FIG.
19a;
[0096] FIG. 19c shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG.
19a;
[0097] FIG. 19d shows a front end view of the embodiment of FIG.
19a; and
[0098] FIG. 19e shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.
19a.
[0099] A fibre optic connector embodying the present invention is
shown in FIG. 2 (and, in exploded form, in FIG. 9). The fibre optic
connector 1 has a housing 50 and two connector plugs 10.
[0100] The housing 50 comprises a lower part 51 and an upper part
52. The housing 50 encapsulates the proximal ends of the connector
plugs 10 between the lower part 51 and the upper part 52. The lower
part 51 and upper part 52 snap fit together. The upper part 52 of
the housing 50 includes an integrally moulded guard cover 30
[0101] Each connector plug 10 is elongate and comprises a resilient
leg 20 which depends at one end of the leg 20 from an end of the
connector plug 10 opposite to the housing 50. Each resilient leg 20
extends generally along the axis of elongation of the connector
plug 10. A lug 25 is formed on each side of each resilient leg 20
so as to protrude from the leg 20 in an direction perpendicular to
the axis of elongation.
[0102] The guard cover 30 is positioned over the ends 23 of the
resilient legs away from the ends 22 at which each resilient leg 20
depends from the connector plug 10.
[0103] The guard cover 30 comprises a bridge with a span 31 and two
supports 32. The span 31 covers both resilient legs. The supports
32 are located at the ends of the span 31. On the underside of the
span 31 there is formed one or more protrusions and/or one or more
notches 35.
[0104] The guard cover 30 further comprises two ramps 38 on the
side of the guard cover 30 opposite the resilient legs 20 of the
connector plugs 10.
[0105] A region bounded by the bridge span 31, the bridge supports
32 and the two connector plugs defines an aperture.
[0106] Two optical fibres 60 pass through the housing 50 before
each is received into one of the two connector plugs 10.
[0107] In use, the optical fibre connector 1 is received into a
fibre optic socket (not shown). On entry into the socket, the ends
23 of the resilient legs 20 are forced downwards towards the
connector plugs by the perimeter of the socket. Once the lugs 25
formed on the resilient legs 20 have moved downwards sufficiently
to allow entry of the connector plugs into the socket, the
resilient legs 20 spring back so that the lugs 25 are restrained by
a flange in the socket which inhibits removal of the connector 1
from the socket.
[0108] Subsequent removal of the connector 1 from the socket is
achieved by depressing the ends 23 of the resilient legs 20 such
that the lugs 25 pass below the restraining flange of the socket.
Since the ends 23 of the resilient legs 20 are located under the
guard cover, however, it is not possible to depress the resilient
legs 20 manually. Instead, in order to remove the connector 1 from
the socket, it is necessary to use a corresponding removal
tool.
[0109] FIG. 3 shows the tool 100 of the present invention alongside
the fibre optic connector 1 of FIG. 2.
[0110] The tool 100 comprises a tool body 110, a resilient arm 120
depending from the tool body and a tongue 130 formed at the distal
end of the resilient arm. The tool body 110 includes a recess
adapted so that, when in use, it will at least partly surround an
optical fibre 60 connected to the fibre optic connector 1. The
resilient arm 120 is typically more resilient than the resilient
leg 10 of the connector 1. The shape of the tongue 130 is adapted
to fit through (match) the aperture under the bridge span. In
particular, where the bridge span 31 or supports 32 include one or
more protrusions and/or one or more notches 35, the shape of the
tongue is adapted to cooperate with the one or more protrusions
and/or one or more notches 35.
[0111] In use, the tool 100 is positioned parallel to the elongate
direction of the connector plugs on the side of the guard cover 30
away from the resilient legs 20. The tool is aligned by ensuring
that the optical fibre is at least partly enclosed by the recess of
the tool 100.
[0112] The tool 100 is then moved in a forward direction generally
parallel to the direction of elongation, towards the guard cover
30. The resilient arm 120 of the tool 100 makes contact with the
two ramps 38 of the connector. Further movement in that forward
direction causes the resilient arm of the tool 100 to slide up the
ramps 38. As stated above, the key 130 is adapted to fit through
the aperture beneath the bridge span 31. Continued movement of the
tool 100 will cause the tongue 130 to pass through the aperture
beneath the bridge span 31. Once the tongue 130 has passed through
the aperture, the tongue 130 makes contact with the resilient legs
20 of the connector 1. Since the resilience of the resilient arm
120 of the tool 100 is typically greater that the resilience of the
resilient legs 20 of the connector 1, the resilient arm 120 forces
the resilient legs 20 downwards towards the connector plugs 10.
Hence, the connector 1 is then removable from the socket through
downward movement of the lugs 25 in the manner described above.
[0113] Once the connector 1 has been removed from the socket, the
tool 100 remains attached to the connector 1 because the tongue 130
of the tool 100 remains on the leg side of the guard cover 30.
Since the resilient arm of the tool 100 is more resilient than the
resilient legs 20 of the connector 1, the tool cannot easily be
removed from the connector 1.
[0114] There is also preferably provided, therefore, a cap 1000 as
illustrated in FIG. 4. The cap 1000 comprises a cap ramp 1010
mounted at one end of the cap 1000 and two apertures 1020 adapted
to receive the two connector plugs 10 of the connector 1. The cap
further comprises a resilient clip 1030.
[0115] In use, the cap 1000 is moved towards the connector plugs 10
in a direction so as to receive the connector plugs 10 into the
apertures 1020 of the cap 1000. In consequence of this movement,
the cap ramp 1010 slides underneath the tongue 130 at the distal
end of the resilient arm 120 of the extraction tool 100. With
continued movement in the same direction the tongue 130 is forced
up by the ramp 1010 which, in turn, forces the resilient arm 120 of
the tool 100 up towards the aperture beneath the bridge span 31.
Once the resilient arm 120 of the tool 100 is in line with the
aperture beneath the bridge span 31 the tool 100 can be removed
simply by moving the tool 100 in the direction of the optical fibre
60 away from the connector 1.
[0116] Also in consequence of the movement of the cap, the
resilient legs 10 of the connector 1 are received beneath the
resilient clip 1030 of the cap 1000 which holds the cap 1000 in
place on the end of the connector 1. Thus, the cap will, by
default, remain in place on the end of the fibre optic connector
when the connector is not connected to a socket.
[0117] The connector, tool and cap may be made from a thermosetting
plastic.
[0118] Since a very large number of arrangements of connector guard
cover apertures is contemplated by the invention and each such
arrangement has at least one corresponding tool, it may be that the
corresponding connector and tool include some means of
identification in order for the user easily to identify the
correspondence between connector and tool. For example,
corresponding connectors and tools may be formed in the same
colour. The cap may also be formed in the same colour.
[0119] The housing 50 of the fibre optic connector 1 may comprise
any number of components. The connector plugs 10 may be formed from
the housing 50. The housing 50 may include a recess 53 for
receiving a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag.
[0120] FIG. 10 shows a duplex fibre optic loopback connector 1'.
The duplex fibre optic loopback connector 1' is similar to the
duplex fibre optic connector 1, except that instead of having two
optical fibres pass out of the connector (one for each connector
plug, perhaps in a single insulated sheath as shown in FIG. 9), a
single optical fibre 65 passes directly from the first connector
plug 10 to the second connector plug 10. In use, therefore, when
the duplex loopback connector 1' is received by a duplex socket,
the signal from a first socket of the duplex socket will pass via
the loop to a second socket of the duplex socket. In the specific
example, the optical fibre is 900 .mu.m optical fibre.
[0121] The loop of optical fibre 65 may be arranged so as to
attenuate the signal which passes therethrough. This may be
achieved, for example, by tightly coiling the loop of optical fibre
so as to cause a proportion of the light passing therethrough to be
transmitted out of the optical fibre rather than undergoing total
internal reflection within the optical fibre. Alternatively, the
ends of the optical fibre may be roughened so that, when received
by a socket, only a portion of the ends of the optical fibre make
contact with an optical fibre in the corresponding socket. Of
course, any alternative means for attenuating the signal may be
employed.
[0122] A fibre optic loopback connector may be provided with a
specific level of attenuation such as 5 dB or 10 dB.
[0123] An insignia 99 may be provided to identify the level of
attenuation (if any) provided by the fibre optic loopback connector
1'. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the insignia is
provided in the form of a coloured push-fit plug which is received
into a socket in an end of the loopback fibre optic connector 1'
opposite the connector plugs. The insignia may, of course, be
anything appropriate to identify the level of attenuation. For
example, the insignia may be an engraved marking, a portion of
text, or an adhesive label.
[0124] FIG. 11 shows a duplex blanking plug 101 according to an
embodiment of the invention. The duplex blanking plug 101 of the
specific example shown in FIG. 11 is similar to the fibre optic
loopback connector 1' except that the optical fibre which runs down
the axis of each connector plug is replaced by a similarly
dimensioned cylindrical stopper 15. The blanking plug may be used
to plug a socket when the socket is not being used to carry a
signal. When the blanking plug is in use with a socket, the stopper
prevents the ingress of dirt and contaminants which may, if allowed
to enter, degrade signal quality when the socket is again used with
a fibre optic connector once the blanking plug has been removed. By
avoiding the use of optical fibre for the blanking plug, the cost
of the plug may be reduced. It is also possible to avoid the need
for spring means which are commonly used in LC connectors in order
to ensure intimate contact of the fibre optic in the plug with the
fibre optic in the socket. It is also not necessary to provide a
ceramic ferrule which is commonly used in LC connectors to
terminate the optical fibre. These provide further cost savings.
The stopper may be made from material with appropriate physical
properties, such as plastic, rubber or metal. However, it is of
course possible for the blanking plug to comprise optical fibre
and/or spring means and/or a ceramic ferrule so long as the
configuration of the blanking plug is not such as to provide an
optical path.
[0125] Where the blanking plug is provided with a guard which
inhibits manual release of the blanking plug from a socket into
which it is received, the blanking plug may only be removed using
the corresponding tool. Advantageously, therefore, this prevents an
unauthorised party from removing the blanking plug. This, in turn,
prevents an unauthorised party from inserting an unauthorised fibre
optic connector into the fibre optic socket.
[0126] Furthermore, the customer may be supplied with a patch board
of sockets all of which are populated with a blanking plug. The
guard of each blanking plug would render each blanking plug
incapable of removal from its socket without the corresponding
tool. This, in turn, prevents an unauthorised party from inserting
an unauthorised fibre optic connector into any of the fibre optic
sockets in the patch board.
[0127] While it will be noted that the preferred embodiment of the
fibre optic connector comprises two connector plugs (in a duplex
arrangement) each with a resilient leg and one guard cover over
both legs, the invention, of course, also encompasses a fibre optic
connector comprising any number of connector plugs with any number
of resilient legs and any number of guard covers. In particular, an
embodiment of the invention may comprise a simplex connector
comprising only one connector plug with only one resilient leg and
one guard cover over that leg.
[0128] Similarly, a blanking plug 101 of the invention may be
provided with any number of connector plugs 10 each provided with a
stopper 15; the blanking plug 101 is not limited to a duplex
arrangement.
[0129] While a fibre optic loopback connector 1' of the invention
must comprise at least two connector plugs 10 in order to provide
the loop functionality, it is not necessarily limited to a duplex
arrangement.
[0130] The connector 1 of the present invention also encompasses
embodiments which comprise any number of ramps 38.
[0131] The guard cover of the fibre optic connector may have any
number of protrusions and/or notches 35 and/or other obstructions
located anywhere in the aperture formed partially by the guard
cover including, but not limited to, the span 31 and the supports
32 of the bridge. Whatever the nature of the aperture, the tongue
130 of the tool is adapted to pass through the aperture in order to
actuate the resilient legs 20.
[0132] The tool 100 and cap 1000 are of course preferably adapted
to the particular embodiment of the connector 1. For example, it is
necessary that the numbers of connector plugs 10 and resilient legs
20 of the connector 1 are accommodated by the features of the tool
100 and the cap 1000.
[0133] In the case where there is more than one connector plug and
more than one resilient leg, there may be an additional component
which joins two or more of the resilient legs.
[0134] In preferred embodiments, an additional security feature is
provided. Specifically, the guard cover is arranged to extend in
the first longitudinal direction (in other words, the direction of
elongation of the plugs 10) at least to the location of a front
face of the associated socket, when the plug 10 is fully inserted
into the socket. This prevents access to the resilient leg (or
legs) of the connector in its direction of depression. By providing
this additional feature, accessing the resilient leg or legs at a
location close to the front face of the associated socket is
precluded. This additional security feature can implemented in a
number of different ways, which will now be described.
[0135] In FIG. 12a, there is shown a perspective view of a fibre
optic connector and associated socket with a first embodiment of
the additional security feature. Where the same features are
indicated as in other figures, identical reference numerals have
been used. A bar 300 is additionally provided with span 31. When
the connector is engaged with an associated socket 200, the bar 300
sits above the socket 200. In this way, the bar 300 prevents access
to the ends 23 of the resilient legs immediately adjacent the front
face of the socket 200. The bar 300 extends along the full width of
the connector.
[0136] A side view of the embodiment of FIG. 12a is shown in FIG.
12b. In this view, the connector is engaged with a keystone 210. A
notch 215 may be provided in the keystone 210 in order to
accommodate the bar 300.
[0137] Rather than providing a bar 300, other kinds of projections
may be alternatively employed. In FIG. 13a, there is shown a top
view of a fibre optic connector with a second embodiment of the
additional security feature. Projections 310 are positioned
adjacent to the span 31 in alignment with the ends 23 of the
resilient legs in the longitudinal direction (the direction of
elongation of the plugs 10). Again, the projections or protrusions
310 prevent access to the ends 23 of the resilient legs in their
direction of depression. FIG. 13b shows a side view of the
embodiment of FIG. 13a. Also, notches may be provided in an
associated keystone to accommodate the projections 310, as with the
embodiment shown in FIG. 12b.
[0138] In FIG. 14a, there is shown a top view of a fibre optic
connector with a third embodiment of the additional security
feature. An insert 320 is provided adjacent the span 31 to prevent
access to the ends 23 of the resilient legs in their direction of
depression. The insert 320 is advantageously made from rubber.
Again, it may extend across the whole width of the connector. FIG.
14b shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 14a. No
modification is required to an associated keystone in order to
accommodate the insert 320.
[0139] In a fourth alternative embodiment of the additional
security feature a lip is provided. FIG. 15a shows a top view of a
fibre optic connector with such a fourth embodiment of the
additional security feature. Lip 330 is provided adjacent the span
31 to prevent access to the ends 23 of the resilient legs in their
direction of depression. Lip 330 may take the form of a flap, which
may extend across the whole width of the connector. Advantageously,
the lip 330 may be relatively thin. Also, the lip may be integrally
moulded with the guard cover. Again, no modification is required to
an associated keystone in order to accommodate the lip 330. FIG.
15b shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 15a.
[0140] In a fifth alternative embodiment of the additional security
feature at least one flap is provided. FIG. 16a shows a side view
of a fibre optic connector with such a fifth embodiment of the
additional security feature. Flap 340 is provided adjacent the span
31 to prevent access to the ends 23 of the resilient legs in their
direction of depression.
[0141] FIG. 16b shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.
16a. It can be seen that two flaps 340 are provided, one for each
fibre optic connector plug 10. One end of each flap 340 is pivoted
against the bridge span 31. The flaps 340 can therefore move with
respect to the bridge span 31.
[0142] Also, the bridge span 31 extends closer to the front part of
the connector plug 10 in the longitudinal direction than other
embodiments. The bridge span 31 is further adapted with associated
notches 345. The notches 345 are positioned such that the flaps 340
are pushed into the respective notches 345 when the fibre optic
connector is inserted into a socket.
[0143] The flaps 340 are shaped such that, when they are pushed
into the notches 345, a portion of the flaps 340 extends in the
longitudinal direction at least to the location of a front face of
the associated socket. In particular, an end 341 of the flaps 340
is angled and shaped such that, when the flaps 340 are pushed into
the notches 345, they extend in the longitudinal direction further
forward than the bridge span 31. Also, at least a part of each flap
340 is horizontal, that is parallel with the span 31. These
features prevent access to the resilient legs at a location close
to the front face of the associated socket.
[0144] FIG. 16c shows a top view of the embodiment of FIGS. 16a and
16b. Advantageously, the flaps 340 may be integrally moulded with
the guard cover. Again, no modification is required to an
associated keystone in order to accommodate the flaps 340, since
they are pushed into the notches 345 when the connector is inserted
into a socket.
[0145] FIG. 17a shows a second embodiment of a blanking plug
according to the invention in plan view. The blanking plug is
similar to that shown in FIG. 11, but additionally incorporates the
new features shown in FIGS. 16a to 16c. Specifically, flaps 340 are
provided, one for each fibre optic connector plug 10. One end of
each flap 340 is pivoted against the bridge span 31.
[0146] The bridge span 31 again extends closer to the front part of
the connector plug 10 in the longitudinal direction than in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 11. The bridge span 31 is further adapted
with associated notches 345, positioned to allow the flaps 340 to
be pushed into the respective notches 345 when the fibre optic
connector is inserted into a socket.
[0147] FIG. 17b shows a rear end view of the embodiment of FIG.
17a. FIG. 17c shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 17a. FIG.
17d shows a front end view of the embodiment of FIG. 17a. FIG. 17e
shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 17a.
[0148] FIG. 18 shows a blanking plate according to an embodiment of
the present invention. Blanking plate 400 comprises: a first fibre
optic connector 410; a second fibre optic connector 420; and a
plate 430. The configuration of the blanking plate 400 means that
when fibre optic connector 410 and fibre optic connector 420 are
inserted into associated sockets, the plate 430 prevents any fibre
optic connectors being inserted into the blocked sockets. Also
shown in FIG. 18 are associated socket panel 350 and further fibre
optic connectors 1. The plate 330 is metal, but may alternatively
be plastic or another material.
[0149] Where the first fibre optic connector 410 and the second
fibre optic connector 420 are provided with a guard cover which
inhibits manual release of the fibre optic connectors from the
sockets, the blanking plate may only be removed using a
corresponding tool or tools to allow release of the first fibre
optic connector 410 and the second fibre optic connector 420 from
the respective sockets. Advantageously, therefore, this prevents an
unauthorised party from removing the blanking plate 400. The first
fibre optic connector 410 and the second fibre optic connector 420
may be replaced by corresponding blanking plugs as appropriate.
[0150] Means for adjusting the positioning of first fibre optic
connector 410 and the second fibre optic connector 420 with respect
to the plate are also provided. For example, the first fibre optic
connector 410 may be slid on runners to allow its position to be
altered. This allows the blanking plate 400 to block different
numbers of sockets or to block sockets where the spacing between
them is not fixed or standard.
[0151] FIG. 19a shows a plan view of a tool for removing a fibre
optic connector from an associated socket according to a second,
preferred embodiment of the present invention. The tool is similar
to that shown in FIG. 3 and where the same features have been
included, identical reference numerals have been used.
[0152] Tool 100 further comprises a raised portion 140 of resilient
arm 120. The raised portion 140 is coupled to the tool body 110
using a resilient bias 145 (for example, a spring). FIG. 19b shows
a rear end view of the tool of FIG. 19a. FIG. 19c shows a side view
of the tool of FIG. 19a. FIG. 19d shows a front end view of the
tool of FIG. 19a. FIG. 19e shows a perspective view of the tool of
FIG. 19a.
* * * * *